Everton host Premier League title-chasing Chelsea at Goodison Park.
Victory will see Everton climb to 15th in the table, whilst Chelsea can go top with a win before Liverpool visit Tottenham in the late kick-off.
Team News
Armando Broja is ineligible for Everton against his parent club.
Dwight McNeil (knee) faces a late fitness check, but Youssef Chermiti (foot), James Garner (back) and Tim Iroegbunam (foot) remain absent.
Chelsea will be without Marc Cucurella after the fullback was red carded in their league win over Brentford, although he was available for their UEFA Conference League win over Shamrock.
Romeo Lavia (thigh) is a doubt for selection.
Mykhailo Mudryk (suspension), Benoit Badiashile (unspecified), Wesley Fofana, Reece James and Omari Kellyman (all hamstring) are still ruled out.
When is Kick-Off?
Everton host Chelsea at Goodison Park on Sunday 22 December at 2pm GMT, untelevised live in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Everton are unbeaten in four of their last six meetings against Chelsea (W2, D2, L2).
- Chelsea have won one of their last seven visits to Everton (W1, D1, L5).
- Everton have kept clean sheets in three of their last four home games against Chelsea.
- Sean Dyche’s Toffees are unbeaten in their three home games against London-based opposition this season (W1, D2).
- Palmer has scored three goals in Chelsea’s last two domestic away games (W2).
Prediction
After their defensive heroics at Arsenal last weekend, Everton need a similar performance and a clinical touch if they’re to keep Chelsea quiet given the Blues’ hot form.
Goodison Park though is bit of a bogey ground in recent years for Chelsea but given their attacking quality and depth, there is little excuse for them not to win here even if need patience initially to break down Everton.
On that note, this should be a routine away win if Chelsea turn up with the right attitude.
Prediction: Everton 0-2 Chelsea
Result: Everton 0-0 Chelsea